Madeira News Blog

Today’s Photo Thanks to me … I thought we might have had some presépio (nativity scene) photos in by now, but not much apart from one Tobi sent in a while back. This one is in Hiper Sã in Ribeira Brava.

There is even a second photo today, this one showing the famous Ribeira Brava super-duper coach, the one that cost the council a small fortune a year or so ago, all painted up in a super-duper custom designed livery, which again must have cost a small fortune. There is another just like it also, but smaller. They hardly get used, so there is a problem keeping them parked up for long periods of time, so the council solution is to park this big one here, on the area of hatched-lines, just a few metres from the police station. If anyone else did the same the police would be out with their ticket book and a hefty fine would be issued. The Diário newspaper does a daily photo, sent in by readers, called ‘Em Flagrant’, which pretty much means ‘caught red handed’, and normally it involves stupid drivers, or road signs or something along those lines, but they don’t appear on the Diário website. So I thought (after a suggestion from Sheila) I would start off something similar, as ‘How well do you know Madeira ?’ seems to have died a bit of a death. Any photos or stories please send them to the email address at the bottom of this page.

Some nice ‘city’ photos here, but ignore the first one : MADEIRA PHOTOS

Madeira based artist Sonia von Walter has finished a new painting LADY IN RED … (my description) I like the painting, but hate the song.

Don’t forget that tomorrow is a Portugal public holiday (Restoration of Independence).

The following snippet is from Elaine of the West, many thanks …

(relevant to those of us pontasssolenses and others who enjoy the fun of the fair!)

Giga Park opens soon. From next Thursday the Christmas Giga Park opens to the public in Ponta do Sol. The fair is being set up in the area of future expansion of the village. The 2009 version of Giga Park consists of 11 types of amusements geared towards the younger audience and eight for adults, plus some intended for the whole family. Among the vast array of fun, of note is the return of one of the ‘ex-libris "of the fairs of yesteryear, such as the Pit of Death. Despite being 80 years old, it is a real adventure, challenging the law of gravity on two wheels. The amount of equipment increases daily, but everything should be completed by mid-week. The official opening is scheduled for the evening of Thursday, 3 December. The amusement park will be in Ponta do Sol until 11 January. The enclosure also includes games, raffles, hardware, restaurant and bars, as well as sanitation facilities. The park has an estimated capacity of about three thousand vehicles, and parking is free. Work to level the ground and the erection of structures has been going on constantly for some time. Since the beginning of the month trailers have arrived by sea with material and the amusements, with the last due to arrive in Funchal tomorrow. By Thursday, everything should be ready to go.

Circus with sharks and seals from day 17. A circus environment is part of the range of entertainment of the Giga Park. This is scheduled to debut on the 17th, going on display to the public in the last three and a half weeks of the fair. The Jorge Cardinalli ‘Aqua Show’ includes Pacific Ocean sharks in a tank with 30 litres of water. There will also be Alaskan seals, a show that features clowns, acrobats, magic and, as the old slogan circus says, ‘much more’. From Tuesday to Friday ‘Aqua Show’ plans to present a daily show starting at 21:30. On Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays and holidays there will be three sessions: 15.30, 17.30 and 21.30.

and of course from Elaine of the East, with thanks …

750 euro grants do not convince doctors. The Government of the Republic will pay 750 Euros per month grants to junior doctors to relocate to Madeira, the Azores, Alentejo and the Algarve. Some see them as an ‘added value’, others as a ‘prison’. They are a promotion for doctors who want to stay in the region after specialist training but are a risk for others as they need to find a vacancy. If they take posts in the region after training, they have to work here for a few years or pay back the training cost.

Unrepaired road complaints to the Municipality. Whenever it rains with some intensity, the road Caminho da Cova Grande in Amoreirinha, Canhas turns into a muddy swamp and dangerous for pedestrians and cars. Only jeeps and wellington boots can cope with the mud that collects on the flattest areas of the road beyond the initial cemented 100 metres. The water descends from the surrounding serra along with debris which enters homes, especially as there is no storm water drainage system installed in the road. Antonio Joaquim has a garage below the road level and that is the worst part of his house affected. He complained to the Council but still no change, whereas he recalls with nostalgia that in the times of the mayor Antonio Lobo, "Within 15 days, it was cemented." The mayor of Ponta do Sol said he knew of the problem and promised that soon there would be intervention by the Municipality in order to regularize the situation of the rainwater. He confirmed that during the election campaign, which also coincided with days of rain in late September, he passed the site in question and realized the accumulation of water which comes from the serra of Canas. The extension of the cemented path is not justified because it is already up a hill. He says, "Who has a house in the serra should be prepared to deal with these situations."

Chinese citizen goes back to court to ask not to be expelled. Xu Zhiqiang was born in China and in mid-2004 was arrested at the airport by the immigration officials for illegally entering Madeira. Upon orders of a judge, he was forbidden to leave the region and was subject to Terms of Identity and Residency and to periodically report to the Immigration Service (SEF). He was professionally employed in hotel and catering. On 22 October 2009, SEF ordered his expulsion from the country in the next 20 days, for having entered and remained unlawfully in Portugal. Xu Zhiqiang obtained a court injunction arguing the order of SEF has formal and material defects and presented five witnesses. In 2008 he was denied a residence permit on grounds of his illegal entry and he has no legal right to permanency. He said he stayed illegally but was subject to a court order. He said that when he entered into the European area in the year 2004, he had a valid passport and visa. He claims he has lost, among trips made to several EU countries including Spain and Portugal, the passport and relevant visa issued by the Portuguese Embassy in China. This was ignored by the Court of Santa Cruz hence he wants the original conviction reviewed. The whole family is here, socially integrated and he has worked for five years and paid Social Security contributions and IRS. He awaits a decision by the court.

Lights, music and nativity: it is almost Christmas in the municipalities. A round-up of Christmas events staged by the Councils. The tradition still remains for presepios and carols. In Santa Cruz there are initiatives for all tastes. The Council of José Alberto Goncalves promotes several dinners – on December 23 for the elderly and December 29 for University students. Festa in the streets of the county. Camacha monopolizes the festivities, where on the 8th is the opening of the doors of the ‘tenda’ in the parish with traditional musical entertainment until January 18, promoting folklore and regional music. A Market Night (no date yet) and photography competition and the usual municipal crib. In Machico, the municipal crib and lighting start on December 7. On the 20th at the Forum of Machico, there is a Christmas Concert and the next day is the turn of the municipal band and on January 6, Singing of the Kings. As well as the usual lighting and nativity scene, Câmara de Lobos is holding a Market Night at the Estreito de Câmara de Lobos. Sao Vicente’s Market Night is on December 18 and the casas do povo are organizing the municipal crib. On the 23rd at São Vicente, there is a lunch for officials and their children, at a very low entry price. Porto Santo has various initiatives and a dinner for University students. In Funchal, there are endless initiatives. A dinner for 300 employees and celebrations at all the institutions and the 14 community centres. The main attraction is the Market Night.

Forestry grant 16 licences for cutting 1,245 Christmas trees.  The Regional Directorate of Forestry approved 16 applications for cutting trees for sale at Christmas. They are also thinning out trees in forest management for conservation purposes and giving them to public institutions. On November 21 they started monitoring the roads with barriers for illegal collection of material, especially in Ribeira das Cales and Paul da Serra. They also have mobile units to monitor illegal selling of flora and fauna. The problem is not as widespread as ten years ago due to educational programs. They give Christmas materials to charities and the Scouts to sell to raise funds.

Registration of ships guarantees millions in VAT. Twenty years after its creation, the International Shipping Register of Madeira (MAR) provides regional employment and generates IVA and IRC. A company based in the International Business Centre (IBC), which has six oil platforms registered in MAR, invoiced 1,300 million Euros with 291 million profit, as well as giving 60 people employment. With 153 registered ships and an additional 83 recreational boats, it is notable that the number of passenger ships has increased, with 12 cruise ships and 7 ferries. Two of these are large cruise ships and the business generated on board pays tax to Madeira. Large cruise ships carry up to 100,000 passengers and generate 6 million Euros profit per year. It is estimated that the ones registered in Madeira carry more than 200,000 passengers per year which represents daily expenditure on board of 43.7 million Euros. In the IBC there are also more than 30 licensed companies in the sector of maritime transport, which have in turn 50 ships registered in MAR and although they pay a reduced rate of IRC, they also generate revenue. More than 4,000 crew members, 10% Portuguese, work on ships registered in MAR. 80% of vessels registered in MAR have foreign owners. There should be more ships registered next year, not only related to tourism and with high tonnage. There is both a registration fee and maintenance fee, ranging from 1,600 to 37,000 Euros for registration and the highest maintenance paid is 35,000 Euros per year. A pleasure craft for sports pays 500 Euros for both registration and yearly maintenance fees. A commercial pleasure craft pays 1,250 Euros for registration. MAR appoints inspectors of registered vessels, at least 40 inspections per year costing at least 600 Euros per time. Also additional fees for certificates.

Estrada Monumental is the most dangerous road in Madeira. Since 2001, there have been 866 accidents recorded by the police. In the three sections; Ribeira Seco – Lido (282), Lido – Praia Formosa (460) and Praia Formosa – Socorridos (124). This is due to a lot of resident movement and up to 70 coaches per day. There are also trees at the sides of the roads, reducing visibility and many pedestrians in the area. The relief roads in the area should help reduce traffic and accidents. The roads are safer than in the past because of better signalling, lighting, surveillance and asphalt. Most accidents are caused by bad driving habits, 20 – 25% by excess speed and disregard of stopping distances, especially by people going to work. Roundabouts are also the cause of many accidents as people are not used to them and do not know the rules. Most accidents on the fast roads occur in the tunnels, due to bends and less visibility. The Police Commissioner advises people to leave home 15 minutes early to significantly reduce the number of accidents.

Today’s front page news stories from the Diário de Notícias :

Funchal has too small a quay for so many cruise ships – Three cruise ships yesterday occupied all the available mooring space, and that is not unusual. But bigger ships coming more frequently are the future. A recycled story that now comes up every time Funchal port gets overloaded, with the point being correct, but up until now with no solution in sight. I will leave this one for someone else to translate, not wishing to hog all the top stories.

Farmers keen in the wait of award – 50 await answers in Santana for the ‘drag’ of 2 years. "Right now it is very difficult to be a farmer. You can not sell practically anything. Potato prices are a crying shame". This was just one of many pleas heard by the Diário in the wholesale market for fruit and vegetable in Santana, where an information meeting was held for 50 producers yesterday. The meeting was arranged by the Regional Director for Agriculture and Rural Development, and is making it’s way around Madeira. As well as the money due for two years from Lisbon, that has not arrived, the farmers complain about the increasing prices of pesticides and fertilisers, the increased costs of labour, and the plagues of rats and rabbits that ruin the crops. The meeting was called to try and persuade farmers to take out crop insurance, to protect against the risks (fire, lightning strike, and exceptional weather conditions), and that can also be extended to cover farm animals. It seems some farmers were convinced that insurance was a good way to go, with a simple example given of a 1,000 square metre vineyard costing €37.60 a year to insure. 

Today’s top headline : Private firms ‘fine’ on the parking meters – The companies with the concessions dispense with the PSP police in order to save money and the parking tickets they leave on the windscreens. The existing system of the police controlling parking in allocated spaces will be taken on in January 2010 by the ‘franchise’ companies that manage the spaces, in order to save thousand of Euros, and motorists are warned to take extra care not to fall foul of the rules. In effect, the fines issued will become legally recoverable charges, and it seems technically possible that the driver could be hit twice. From what I can understand, the driver, when entering on to an allocated parking space, by that act enters into a legally binding contract with the company responsible for that space. If that driver fails to purchase the correct ticket for the stay, then he becomes liable to pay the daily rate, an amount that will accumulate in the database of the franchise company (referenced by the car registration), and if unsettled will go to legal recourse. The driver will be able to take the ticket to a multibanco (ATM) and make the required payment. I can see loopholes and problems written all over this, but it seems that the system is already well proven to work elsewhere, including in the Azores, where a driver was recently forced to pay nearly €2,000 plus his costs.

Increase in violence hits teachers – Thefts and aggression increased in the last academic year. And the threats to teaching staff become fashionable. The Education Directorate is concerned, but feels that there is too much through the TV and internet. Madeira is catching up with continental Portugal in terms of problems in schools. The PSP police operate a program called ‘Safe School’, and last year through that it has been established that the majority of crimes in schools are violence against the person, with 95 cases, followed by theft (57 cases), and threats and insults (49 cases), vandalism (40), and other crimes are also listed. The news is disappointing, as what was a growing problem saw a marked improvement in the 2007/2008, but has now returned to a growing trend. The Regional Director for Education says that the problem is worrying, but that the school environment in not any more of a problem than the social context outside the school gates. He says that the influences of families ‘that have seen better times’, and TV violence, and images and videos posted on the internet all play a part in the problems in the schools.

Marítimo reduced to ten draw in Restelo – The green-reds were losing 2 – 0. The Madeira team pulled back two goals away at Belenenses to come away with a point.

CR9 was in the chair in the defeat in Barcelona, on the day on which he was nominated for the ‘Golden Ball’. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team Real Madrid lost by one goal to to Barcelona in yesterday’s top game. But who cares about Spanish football?

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(more…)

Today’s Photo Thanks to Eiryl … A happy lizard in the Botanical Gardens

"Madeira, the Portuguese island known as the floating island of flowers that lies offshore in the Atlantic just like the Spanish Canaries, provides an unusual sliver of Portuguese tradition but with a flavour of independence. The island no longer depends on its mainland parent for anything and unless you knew its history you could easily leave without having any clue about its mainland links". WHERE DO PEOPLE GET THEIR INFORMATION FROM ?

"Well, I am sure there is a whole lot of other exciting stuff, but Madeira pretty much trumps everything since there are only 10 missionaries there, it is pretty coveted. Irmã Draper has been looking at me about every 10 minutes for the past two days and saying something along the lines of…. you realize you are going to Madeira!" YOU WORK IT OUT AS I COULDN’T

Sue kindly sent in these news stories, many thanks :

Conductor of the Classical Orchestra of Madeira – Rui Massena in Dukes. The conductor of the Classical Orchestra of Madeira (OCM), Rui Massena, runs on Saturday, the Dukes, in Guimarães, the Orchestra of the North. The concerts will be interpreted works by Shostakovich (the opening party, op.96), Tchaikovsky (the Overture Romeo and Juliet) and the Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov (Rhapsody on a theme of Panini, op.43 for piano and orchestra minor), which will feature the pianist Antonio Oliveira.  Rui Massena is considered one of the youngest conductors Portuguese, is 36 years old, was born in Vila Nova de Gaia, began learning piano at six years old and runs the CMO since 2000. Graduated in conducting at the National Academy Orchestra under the guidance of Jean-Marc Burfin and continued his studies in Italy, with Gianluigi Gelmetti, and France, with Cristhian Manem. He was conductor of several concerts in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, cases of Dvorak Hall (Prague), Tonhale (Zurich), La Fenice (Venice), Carnegie Hall (New York) and New England Symphonic Ensemble. Directed José Carreras, Jose Cura, Mark Zeltser, Eva Maria Zuk, among many others, and orchestras in Portugal, Italy, Mexico, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Canada and the Czech Republic. Was the guest conductor for the Presidency of the Republic, for the concert commemorating the Day of Portugal – 10 June. Since 2005, Rui Massena is also the educational director of the Conservatory – Schools of the Arts of Wood and artistic director of the International Competition Wood Music

In the Region, under the Safe Summer Program – PSP oversaw 260 homes this summer.
During the summer of 2009, the PSP has overseen 260 homes in the region, under the Safe Summer program. This is a program in which the police carried out surveillance of homes during the holiday period of the owners, by their request. PSP-M emphasizes the effectiveness of the police action, since "there was a single residence associated with any anomaly, any theft or any other disturbance."

Municipality of San Vicente launches program to support basic needs – Board is helping the county’s elderly. The Board of St. Vincent will do a survey of people over 65 years living in the county and determine the conditions under which they live. The "Program 65 +", and called the initiative will, for example, building ramps to homes to provide easy access and guarantee the purchase of medicines or food, going to get them at pharmacies or markets.  The Mayor of St. Vincent will promote a survey of the number of seniors over sixty-five years and their living conditions.  The initiative comes under the Program 65 +, a project that will be led by the northern municipality as early as next January.  Jorge Romeira, speaking to the JOURNAL OF MADEIRA, that it has already contacted a local association (the Association of Development of North Madeira), with the task of putting the project on the ground.  The mayor notes that the project includes the removal of all persons over 65 years living in the municipality of San Vicente.  "We know how they live, where living conditions if they are alone or accompanied and what their main needs," he explains. Our party, for example, will assess the person’s access between the road and the house in order to facilitate their mobility. "The project could include a cementing  footpaths, placing of ramps instead of stairs, etc.." He said.  But the initiative will also serve to assess other needs of the elderly. "People often do not have anybody to go buy drugs or foods. The project will include this service, "he added.  He says that the support would be individualized and considered on a case by case. Socially, the Mayor of St. Vincent also announced that "promoting the improvement of municipal services for staff and users’ and recalls the construction of an old people’s home (Dona Hilaria Davis) and a public garden.

The program of the Regional Government and CMSV are also covered in the construction of the Bonaventure community centre, support for social housing, the creation of the Office for the farmer, by encouraging the construction of small "barns" on agricultural land and building partnerships with institutions such as Social Solidarity. There will be the implementation of activities of leisure, the creation of youth cards, social support to schools, jobs and sports, incentives for private companies to create jobs and promote employment Industrial Park of cherries for the promotion of employment.

Man tried to rob the bank but ended up surrendering to police. A man tried to rob today a bank branch in Covington using a weapon, but ended up surrendering to police, told Lusa the PSP. The individual, aged between 35 and 40, entered the branch of the BPI Europa Avenue, near the main shopping centre of the city at about 11:35 am, where he threatened staff with a knife. According to police sources, have asked for money, but then ended up surrendering voluntarily to the PSP still in place, and without having in possession of any amount of money. This case was submitted to the Judicial Police and the individual waits for the first interrogation in the Court of Covilhã .

Elaine very kindly provided yesterday’s top news headlines again :

Airport screening against Influenza A. There will soon be created at the airport a Line of Screening against Influenza A (Gripe A / swine flu). An announcement was made yesterday morning by the  President of IASAÚDE at the seminar ‘Risk Assessment – New Risks: The Influenza A’. He took the opportunity to express concern about the fact that many people are not complying with measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the region. The airport has acquired sensors to detect temperature changes in passengers. Alongside this, there has been training for health professions. Mauricio Melim was keen to stress that the guidelines given by entities of Public Health "should be followed" as "We have a civic duty to prevent the spread of flu."

Christmas Events Program 2009.  Major points of the program. Friday 27th November starts the first phase of lighting in downtown Funchal, 4 December the second phase. On December 11th the music and performances in the city centre begin. On that day, there will be the official opening of the decorations in the city centre; an ethnographic village in the streets, a decoration in the Largo do Chafariz, in front of the Sé a Christmas Crib and other displays by the SRTT and in the Municipal Gardens. From December 11 to January 6, performances by brass bands, folk groups and groups from the Coordinating Office of Arts Education and puppet shows in the Avenida Arriaga. In front of the Municipal Park, there will be several animation projects for children. 2,500 people will be involved. New Years Eve will be celebrated by eight minutes of fireworks, consisting of 21 separate displays representing flora and fauna of Madeira. The Government will invest €5.2 million into Christmas and New Year and lighting will take over 50% and the fireworks most of the remainder. At present, the hotels are 50% occupancy for Christmas and probably more at New Year than last year. These will not make up for a poor year for tourism. —- Just checked the Tourism site, the full program is only in Portuguese so far.

Weather is part of the tourism attraction of the region. The regular mild climate is one of the main attractions of Madeira as a tourist destination. The Secretary of Tourism and Transport ensured that the region is doing its share to protect the environment and nature, focusing more on ecological projects. "Madeira is an island of ‘Spring’ and I hope that does not change." This is the debut year for the prize for the most environmentally friendly establishment. There are 14 entries from hotels, restaurants and companies involved in animation. The aim is to act as an incentive for companies to participate in more environmentally protection activities.

Volunteer Fair Thursday 24th to Sunday 29th November. In the Municipal Garden in Funchal. The Casa do Voluntário called on the institutions in the region to present work done over the years by the public, as well as sharing experiences and exchanging information, thus encouraging volunteering as an expression of active citizenship.

Christmas Parade. Parade dressed as Father Christmas to help support the two institutions that help children and win valuable prizes, is the challenge that Madeira Shopping throws to Madeira for next Saturday November 28. The Christmas Parade is scheduled for 15.00, leaving the churchyard of the Church of Santo Amaro and finishing at the House of Father Christmas at Madeira Shopping Centre. For each entrant (free) the Centre will donate 5 Euros to the Hat of Hope. Money will be divided between the two institutions; O Abrigo Nossa Senhora do Conceição and Lar São Filipe. The winning prizes are a playstation 3 from FNAC and a 100 Euros voucher for Modelo. At the end of the parade, there will be a concert by the students of the School of Arts and Music.

Court case after fire in the building Elias Garcia. On March 14 2004, a fire of unknown origin broke out in the garage of the building Elias Garcia III and forced the evacuation of the building. A 59 year old woman required treatment for carbon monoxide inhalation. The fire started in the basement car park and affected five cars, destroying three. It was fought by 10 fire engines and 40 fire fighters. The person whose car the fire originated in, is in the dock and there are questions as to whether it was due to either a short circuit or overheating, which he rejects. In the wake of the fire, the Municipal Service of Civil Protection carried out a technical audit that found security flaws and the absence of fire doors in the basement garage.

Regional Plan Against Domestic Violence 2009 – 2011. Since its formation in 2002 until last year, the Support of Victims of Domestic Violence Team has seen 619 people. Last year they saw 100 people and the number of people reporting violence is increasing each year. The most problematic ages are 30 – 34 and 40 – 44, followed by 25 – 39. The plan includes several lines of intervention; who to tell, raise awareness, educate, protect victims, prevent secondary victimization and qualify the professionals.

SANAS training course. Training 20 new lifeboat crew, selected from 60 candidates. There are more crew needed because of the opening of the Lifeguard Station at Santa Cruz and also needed for Funchal. The training lasts 120 hours, of which 70 are of a practical nature. Training in the following areas: help at sea, communications, meteorology, navigation, techniques for rescue at sea, organization of lifeboats, first aid, survival at sea, public relations and support for sports.

Irregularities in Areal Dourado. The Municipality of Porto Santo have delivered a complaint to the Court against some of the management of the municipal company Areal Dourado, which manages sports, social and cultural events. Some of the board of Directors are thought to use financial resources to their advantage.

Model Boat Championship. Organized by the Nautical Association of Madeira and held last Sunday at the Centro Nautico da Ribeira do Natal in Caniçal. The trophy ‘Liquid PC’ for radio-controlled boats winner was Goncalo Sousa. The wind was weak and variable, the participants experienced some difficulties because the small boats were unruly, forcing the organizers to postpone most races until the afternoon. With rising wind and tide, the races went ahead. The big surprise was Omar Vieira who won five of eight races with ‘Bleu’. 32 boats were entered in the races. —– I never knew there were model boat enthusiasts in Madeira. There will be train spotters in a couple of years too! Der.

Region has not secured 29.3% of the revenue. Never has the Government proposed a budget that the extra revenues represent 29.3%. This is the conclusion to be drawn from the fact that Ventura Garces admits that he would seek authorization from the State to borrow 230 million Euros, 15% of revenue, with  ‘other revenues’, 219.5 million Euros which represents another 14.3% of revenue. In the proposal he assumes a sale of assets worth €140 million and shares worth €18 million. The State should transfer 15% of the revenue and the EU 5.7%. The budget depends on the State specially permitting the debt limit to be raised. Revenue is expected to decrease, 29% less IRC and 11% VAT receipts. The Municipalities will receive €34.5 million from the Regional budget, and €69.3 million transferred from the State. The Government wants to raise the debt limit by more than €180 million to reduce the time taken to repay suppliers, to repay public debt formed during the year and the existing loans.

Sue is back again with yet more, so it looks like I won’t be needed any more today … many thanks ladies. Der

Urban Plan of the Ribeira de S. John goes today for approval at the meeting of the CMF – Index construction will increase in Cabouqueira. The Municipality of Funchal will adopt today, the Urban Plan of the Ribeira de Sao Joao This is the third and final plan that involves the three main streams of the city over an area of 43 hectares. Among many other things, the document will provide a higher rate of construction in the area of Cabouqueira (behind Funchal Centrum) and also defines a set of rules for the area where the warehouse of the Sa. The Minas Gerais, only goes with the presentation of a project that meets the new rules, i.e., the decrease of some floors of the building….

General Luís Araújo says F-16 will come when "necessary and appropriate". Chief-of-Staff of the Air Force, Gen. Luis de Araujo, said yesterday on the island of Porto Santo that the F-16 aircraft will come to Madeira "when necessary and appropriate." "It’s in our plans when necessary and appropriate, deployment of F-16, one or two teams, to do surveillance and airspace control this part of the country when the radar is ready," said Gen. Luís de Ali on the sidelines of the ceremony of founding of the Aerodrome of Maderia / 3, based on the island of Porto Santo. The deployment of the Portuguese Air Force in Porto Santo, created 25 years ago, has from now on be called the Unit AM3: "This unit has been in the Air Force for a long time but was not named, this was a simple ceremony giving a name to one of our "children," stressed Luis de Araujo. The general said that is also in future projects to install a military parade, accommodation for officers, sergeants etc. in that unit which currently has 15 military and a score of officials . Luis Araujo also said that if his mandate is extended (ends December 18) next year "in principle" the Day of the Air Force will be held in Madeira. The unit commander, Col. Joaquim Ferreira, reiterated the "need" to be made "minor adjustments in the modules as staff will be implemented at a local set of tasks of logistical and administrative framework that are, to date, done by other units of the Air Force. He also called for a solution "with housing, healthcare, food and transportation to and from the continent, the personnel deployed in AM3. The ceremony brought together several prominent branches of the Air Force, Army, Navy, Police and members of the Regional Government also noted the Unity Day of Maneuvering Aerodrome No. 3 and appointment of Colonel Joaquim Ferreira as commander of AM3. It looks like we now know what that radar is for on top of the mountain!

Cravo e Canela collection shows the "open air". On 7th December the store Clove and Cinnamon, now situated in Rua Vale da Ajuda, will display their collection of evening gowns and ceremonial clothing. The event is being produced by Eduardo Pinto and will have the support of the City Hall since it will use the promenade to the achievement of the parade. The idea, explained the head of the Journal da Madeira, "is to make not only our customers but also people who are in the street able to watch the parade." In a "showroom", the parade will start in-store, and the bridging will go through an entire corridor leading to the street, and run up to the parking spaces that are on the front of the store. According to Eduardo Pinto, this year’s event will again be attended by the British model Fiona (which, it should be noted, took the last two shows of the store) as well as Alexandra Vieira, Eva Lara, Yorain, Macedo and Licínia Roberta Laza. In enriching its collection, the Clove and Cinnamon decided to partner with AM Jewelry, a shop that will also show pieces of their jewelry made by prestigious international brands. Also of interest regarding the collection being presented on this day is that  Clove and Cinnamon have chosen to display evening gowns and ceremonial clothing. "It will be a glamorous collection, very colorful, where flowing silks and fabrics are featured", said Eduardo Pinto.

and yet more from Sue with entertainment news …

‘Mega Park’ under the airport runway opens on 11 – Sponsor wants to revive Water Pena, the fun of Almirante Reis. Madeirans can count this year with a lively Christmas season, which will have several areas or appeal from 11 December. The fun is in charge of the ‘Mega Park’ and the Circus Brazil, which will repeat their presence of last year. The main novelty is the installation of ‘Mega Park Madeira’, in Water Pena, under the runway of the Madeira International Airport. For the first time in the region as responsible for ‘Mega Park’, Fernando Tavares promises, that the park will provide, "the rekindling the Almirante Reis”. We will have some of Madeira’s best attractions in Europe and worldwide. This park will have several new entertainment and cars already having met the new security laws. The controller of ‘Mega Park’ highlights the fun ‘New crazy kangaroo’, which in his opinion "skips, walks in circles and makes waves" and "Megadance ‘, a radical fun machine where people rise higher and will be suspended upside down (not the the faint hearted methinks!). This year also highlights the trail bumper that Fernando Tavares said is to be the best in Europe with its level of security. "The track is 50 feet long and all the bumper cars are already equipped with shock absorbers, seat belts for drivers and two ‘bags’ in fly ash (think this is probably “air bags”). All as required by law." Day 11 entry is free. The "Mega Park" invites the islanders to attend the official opening day, December 11, where all the attractions can be experienced for free. "We want to make a toast to the population. We believe that, thanks to the place where the ‘Park’ will be mounted and entertainment that we bring, we will cause a revolution in entertainment Madeira. The fair officially opens to the public on 12 December and will close down on 17 January. Fernando Tavares highlights Wednesday as the cheapest days to experience all the park, where each attraction costs one euro.

Circus Brazil back to Machico. Even the smallest will have the privileges this Christmas, with the return of the Circus Brazil, after a first appearance last year. The circus will be based on the same site last year, that is, near the football stadium UD Machico, a place where the leaders of the City Council say there is good accessibility and ease of parking. The debut of the circus is scheduled for December 11 and can be visited until 10 January.
This year, more people will have more attractions to watch at the circus, with the main novelty being a fantasy of Harry Potter, but could still see a show ring that is unique in the country. Also promoted still be some jugglers and a special show with clowns. The price of tickets remains the same as last year, and range from 12.50 Euros for adults and 7.50 Euros for children.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. Please don’t send in automatic translations (like Google translator) without checking them through and correcting them first, thanks.

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The old abandoned mansion overlooking Funchal harbour

Received by email : "Hello, I’m flying out to Funchal on November 18th for my 4th visit and can’t wait! I’m doing some self-catering this time and am looking forward to going down to the fish market and buying some lovely espada. Yum, got to be the best fish in the whole world, cooked properly "Madeiran style". I fell in love with this old mansion house – vertically up from the Lido near the old fortress (the lido being the outdoor Art Deco pool next to the Fortaleza de São Tiago, at the base of the cliff). I always thought if I won the lottery I’d refurbish it and restore it to its former splendour. But does anyone know the history of this place and why it was abandoned? There’s also a picture of it on Google earth. I’m attaching a photo (above) I took a little while ago. MORE PHOTOS & GOOGLE EARTH LOCATION Christopher

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Anyone looking to book holidays on Madeira next year might find this summary of events and dates useful. It is probably all on the official tourism website, but as it is all simple and well laid out here I thought it may be of interest. 2010 EVENTS & FESTAS

I must admit I was a little irritated by the attitude of the Machico traders over the issue of the Chinese megastore being opened there, as had it been a Madeiran shop selling Chinese goods, as many do in part, then I guess most traders would have scowled and got on with life. There was a special report on the case on RTP-M last week, after the 9 pm news, and one of the people featured was a local lady who had a Chinese shop in Funchal, and she wasn’t getting any hassle as far as I could see. So it seems to me the fuss is not about what is being sold, it is about who is selling it. RTP news at the time had also dug up a bit of old footage (from around 5 years ago) of president Jardim having a pop at Indian and Chinese traders for competing against Madeiran businesses, and saying that they weren’t welcome here, so perhaps the attitude of the Machico traders can be in part be blamed elsewhere.  A similar thing happened on Porto Santo earlier this year when local traders raised a petition, and the Chinese business ended up going out of business, maybe not directly as a result of the opposition, but not nice to see all the same.

Anyway, slightly intrigued by the situation, and not fully convinced that the Chinese shops were that much cheaper as to be a threat to Madeiran businesses, I decided to pay a visit to my local Chinese shop, quite a small operation, and compare some prices and choices with other local businesses.

I needed sunglasses and T-shirts, so I wandered around the local traders first, and the sunglasses on sale ranged from around €7 to €8, and all appeared to be from the same manufacturer. In the Chinese shop, in again what appeared to be the same range as the other shops, they were priced at €6.50. So a close 1 – 0 to the Chinese.

As for T-shirts, that was a different story altogether, with the lowest price I found in a local shop (and there are loads in Ribeira Brava) being €13.95, with others costing up to around €25 in some places. In the €13.95 shop I was asked why I wouldn’t buy the ones I was shown, and I said I was unemployed at the moment and it was more than I was able to pay. The shop owner threw her hands up in horror, and said to her colleague "these are cheap, don’t you think so?", and her colleague agreed, and they were in fact the cheapest I was able to find, but to me that is not cheap for a T-shirt.

So the next day I wandered back into the Chinese shop and had a look through their stock, and found quite a few decent brand name* ones in ‘robust size’ for €7.50 each. I brought 3 and even managed to negotiate a deal with the shop owner, although she looked like she had swallowed a nest of fire-ants when I asked for a discount. She reluctantly knocked €0.50 off the total! So a very comfortable 2 – 0 to the Chinese. And … for both T-shirts and sunglasses, the Chinese shop had by far the most to choose from. So Machico traders beware!

* The brand name is that world famous Chinese company ‘Wel Hong – the symbol of outstanding quality’. Well they do hang well I must admit, and as for any other interpretation, I plead the fifth amendment.

(Source : Tribal Football): Blackburn eyeing Nacional Madeira’s Micael - Blackburn Rovers, an English premier league football club are eyeing a move for Nacional Madeira midfielder Ruben Micael. Rovers boss Sam Allardyce is attempting to set up a cut-price £4 million deal for the 23-year old who was recently called up to the Portugal national team. Allardyce is keen to beat off competition from bigger clubs who are also believed to be interested in Micael, whose contract expires in 2011. Portuguese giants Benfica are said to be interested but Blackburn are trying to get in there first, either in January or next summer to lure him to Ewood Park. €4 million eh! He’s good for sure, but I didn’t expect talk of so much money.

News that Leonel de Freitas, director of RTP Madeira, has resigned may or may not be good news. Not that I have any problem with the content and format of our local TV station, it’s simply because I don’t have a clue what is on and when. RTP-M actually has quite a good mix of programmes, but my attempts to watch the 9 pm news are generally thwarted by schedule variations and changes, and generally I haven’t a clue what is on and when. The teletext schedules for RTP-M, on the main RTP channel, are nothing like the reality. The Zon internet TV guide doesn’t include RTP-M, and my monthly TV magazine, TeleCabo, has the programme schedules, but why they bother I don’t know. So my appeal to whoever takes over as director of RTP-M … PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT’S ON AND WHEN (and then try and stick to it).

A huge news contribution from yesterday from Elaine … many thanks :

Congestion caused by tourist coaches at Almirante Reis.  Another ‘full house’ at the port yesterday with three cruise ships berthed. The tourist buses stopping near the cable car entrance where the Avenida do Mar redevelopment is occurring, led to traffic congestion, confusion and protests from other drivers. The usual parking area is closed to tourist buses, interurban buses and Caniço buses, so they are having to use a normal traffic lane. This will intensify as November is a busy month for cruise ships and will continue until the works are finished.

Porto da Cruz Health Centre postponed. Construction of the Health Centre postponed until next year, so the old centre will still be used for longer than anticipated. The contract was signed before the last elections for a new Health Centre, Social Security Centre and an Elderly Residential Home. They will cost 4.7 million Euros, and an initial 118,000 Euros was allocated for 2009 and the rest payable in 2010 and 2011. But after the elections, the original money allocated for 2009 has been transferred to the 2010 budget.

Too many people want allotments. The CMF has suspended the application for urban allotments due to over-subscription. There are 350 on the waiting list so Funchal Council is trying to find more areas before they re-open the application process. They should be able to prepare 50 lots in the area adjacent to the new Avenida do Amparo for February next year, and an additional 15 lots in Santo Antonio for residents in Ribeira Grande. Since the project begun in 2005, there have been 159 lots.

Lorry driver killed. A 34 year old driver of a water tanker died from abdominal injuries sustained in an accident in Rosário, São Vicente. He was negotiating a curve, left the road and went down a 50 metre escarpment and hit a wall. Rescue services had difficulties working in the area and he was imprisoned in the cab with his abdomen, chest and legs compressed against the wheel. Despite advanced resuscitation efforts, he died at the scene. The cause of the accident is not yet known. It had been raining but the vehicle could have malfunctioned or there could have been a sudden health problem.

Manuel Saldanha expelled from PSP. This 41 year old Commissioner of the Regional Command of the PSP was one of the ‘strong men’ in the police force and had a promising career. He published a paper about the British police system called ‘Police in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’. The trouble started in 2002 when there was a complaint in Porto Santo of him assaulting a man after an exchange of words in a bar/nightclub. An inspection in 2005/6 then found irregularities and delays in proceedings, and he was suspended for 169 days, and  a disciplinary penalty of compulsory transfer to Portugal, the first time this has happened. There he was convicted of drug trafficking and subsequently has been permanently dismissed.

Rui Moses changes the locks at Santana Council’s offices. After reports that people stay in the council offices, often late at night, in activities that are not work-related. He said that locks were changed because new people are now responsible for the management of the council facilities and not due to lack of confidence in employees. The opposition Socialist Party councillor Adelino Silvo was not convinced, saying that locks are usually changed due to a lack of trust and if there had been robberies, he expected details about such situations to be given.

Urgent debate on banana production. The PCP (Communist Party) want urgent talks with the Government about the nationalised company, GESBA, which is failing to collect the bananas and leading to producers having to bury them. The three problems are the company’s inability to collect all the production, failure to respond to market demand and failure in payments. This is deepening the economic and social situation in the region. GESBA and the The Secretariat for the Environment and Natural Resources deny there are these problems in collection and payment. They explain that winter production is lower and preference given to traders who buy in the summer. GESBA has already increased the price of bananas by 1 Euro in summer and 3 Euros in winter.

The Circus is returning to Machico this Christmas.  Same place as last year, at the football field in Machico. The first performance will be on December 11th. The main attraction will be an illusionist/magician named Harry Potter and a Luso-Spanish acrobat who is an expert ‘Olympic’ ring juggler. They already have some reservations for special performances for groups. Prices similar to last year.

Bartenders Association participate in Wine & Spirits Festival starting on Friday 6th November. Starts Friday 6th until Sunday 8th at the Congress Centre at the Pestana Casino Park Hotel, from 15.00 to 21.00 hours. To promote wines and help visitors appreciate and enjoy wine more. There will be about 50 producers and 300 wines, with workshops (17.00 to 19.00), cooking demonstrations by 14 chefs (16.00 to 21.00)  and a Wine Shop. On the last day, a cocktail competition will run from 15.00 to 19.00 for the Grand Marnier Trophy with about 30 barmen. Four winners will represent Madeira in the Algarve in December and the winner will represent Portugal at the World Cup next September in France. A gourmet dinner with  four participating chefs at the Hotel Four Views Baia on November 6th at 21.30, priced 30 Euros inclusive, bookable online. Website for the festival: www.sensusvini.com —- Anyone know about entrance fees?

British Ambassador visiting Madeira on the 6th to 8th November. Private family visit with some public engagements. Saturday 7th a Cocktail Party for the British community resident here at the English Church, and on Sunday, a Remembrance Day Service at 10.50 am.

Police catch two burglars in the act, and a ‘Good Samaritan’ has her handbag stolen . There have been a spate of robberies in Funchal. Acting on a complaint, the police on patrol in Rochinha caught two men when they were preparing to leave a house with 600 Euros of stolen goods. In Nazaré, an elderly woman tripped and fell and when a woman left a table she was sitting at to go to her aid, a 28 year old man stole the rescuer’s handbag. By the description of the thief, the local police quickly apprehended him and he confessed to the theft. He agreed to return the bag, documents and keys to the owner but 280 Euros in cash were missing.

Shock Store at Madeira Shopping – reduced fashion goods. Third time this event has been held. Started yesterday and until the 8th. November, from 12.00 to 22.00 hours. Discounts, some more than 50%, on big brands such as Dolce & Gabanna, Gucci, Rosa Cha, Armani and Miss Sixty. Some discounts in shops that participated in the Fashion Week, e.g.. Sun Planet, Bata, Quebramar and Springfield. Until the 18th, if you spend 20 Euros, you can enter a draw for 8 gift vouchers of 500 to 2,000 Euros. The Christmas decorations will be installed next week and Santa Claus will arrive at the end of the month.

Herdade dos Coelheiros wants to increase wine sales in Madeira. Two days ago, in the restaurant ‘Abrigo do Pastor’, the wines from the Herdade dos Coelheiros were offered to potential customers. The wine producers have changed their business strategy to work directly with regional distributors. The wine comes from the Alentejo region and they introduced the Chardonnay grape variety to the region. They try to produce a quality product rather than quantity, around 230,000 litres (200,000 bottles) of 8 different wines. The classic is ‘Tapada de Coelheiros’ white and red. Other notable ones are ‘Tapada de Coelheiros Garrafeira’. and ‘Tapada de Coelheiros Chardonnay’. They also produce a more rare and exclusive ‘Branca de Almeida – Tinto’. The more accessible wines are ‘Roda dos Coelhos’ and ‘Vinha da Tapada dos Coelheiros’. 60 – 70% of the sales are to the domestic market and Madeira accounts for about 5%, which they aim to increase to 10%. They are producing a new wine called ‘Ciranda’ white and red soon.

Another wine topic, the producer and exporter of Madeira Wine, ‘Justino’s Madeira Wine’ has a new logo. They are rebranding to try to strengthen their national and international market. The new image will be shown for the first time at the Wine & Spirits Festival on the 6 November.

Five-star hotel room prices fallen 25.20%. In Portugal, hotel revenue has fallen an average 15 and 20% and in some cases, as much as 40% and next year’s outlook is poor. Room prices have fallen to an average 52.9 Euros for five-star hotels and 30.14 Euros for a three-star hotel room. The largest fall in room rates was Lisbon to an average of 46.64 Euros. Five-star hotel room rates in Lisbon fell most (27.28%) and Madeiran hotels had the second largest decrease in rates (25.2%).

Government facilitates access to business support. It will be easier to apply for business incentive programs. Financial aid now available for projects that maintain jobs as well as those that create jobs. For small enterprises and individual entrepreneurs who are having difficulty accessing credit. Between 2007 and 2009, the Government granted 103 million Euros in aid.

In addition, the European Regional Development Fund can now be used by countries like Portugal to support housing in disadvantaged areas. Countries joining the EU before 2004 have previously been excluded.

But that "program" !…. Long rant by Jardim in his newspaper against the Portuguese Socialist Government program and its provocative financial revenge against the people of Madeira.  It threatens to intervene in matters which come under the jurisdiction of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira. —— Constitutional arguments are brewing. I do not think life is going to get easier between Jardim and Sócrates.

The Court of Auditors concluded that the contract of purchase and sale of future credit for the amount of 150 million Euros by the Government in 2007 led to an increase in debt in the region, resulting in an increase of approximately €64 million. This was a complex transaction by the Government to try to hide it from the debt allowed for that year. In the future, they must  submit annual cost projections to the Court and ensure the transactions have the consent of parliament.

Training sailing ship in Porto Santo and the Swedish students visit the UMa. The STS Alva is a training ship and harboured at Porto Santo due to Funchal port being full yesterday. The crew are 40 Swedish students, and they visited the University of Madeira on an exchange visit. It sails on Saturday for Tenerife.

From the front page of today’s Diário de Notícias :

Antibiotic Spending Excessive. Madeirans take too many antibiotics. Only between January and September this year nearly €2 million was spent on Madeira, to buy over 200,000 packages of antibiotics.

Crisis takes Madeirans out of the dentist’s chair – Since January, the consultations visibly diminish. Increases … only the cancellations. Of course, with the cost of dentistry here, and being outside of the health service, it’s probably one of the most unpopular items of expenditure on the island. You only have to look around to see the impacts of dental costs with so many gappy smiles. I have only been to the dentist here once in 6 years, and that was in an emergency, but since discovering © Toranja Poncha © I have never had to go since.

End in sight for the series ‘Flor do Mar’. Verified information is not available, but the ex-popular TVI series (or soap), filmed on Madeira, may finish up this weekend, and the channel TVI refuses to confirm or deny. The series has run the equivalent of 280 episodes, nearly every night since last November, and for a long time led the national viewing ratings … that was until TVI changed the starting time. It was partly funded through a grant of €500,000 from the Madeira government. In my opinion money well spent for improving domestic tourism. It was becoming more and more obvious that the series was coming to an end, as more and more of the Flor do Mar characters started roles in other dramas and soaps on TVI. Morangos Com Açúcar alone has 4 that I have spotted so far.

The main headline today : Government debt catches Via Litoral – ‘Insolvent’ Treasury tied-up €58 million, leaving the concessionary company to fail on its commitments to the bank. The Madeira government blames the situation, which affects many companies that have contracts with or provide services to Madeira, on the failure of central government to transfer money. A debate that has been going on far a long time. The contract mentioned is for our roads, but we could see the impacts of this arising in other sectors soon too.

Alvinegro dream stays at half way – The fatality repeated itself and the draw against Athletico Bilbao has brought Nacional again almost to the end. Now it just remains to challenge in the two games left to honour the shirt and try and bank some Euros. Qualification now is almost impossible. Nacional 1 – Bilbao 1 in the Liga Europa. They came close to winning, but let in an equalising goal towards the end of the game

I had better call it a day there, as with over 3,600 words, this is probably the longest blog ever.

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If you can, please contribute something Madeira related. A funny story or good or bad experience, a news item, or a story from a Madeira newspaper, a photo or video, a teaser, news of a bargain flight or item in a supermarket. Please help keep this blog going … without user contributions it won’t survive. 

You can email blog@madeira4u.com with any large contributions and photos / videos.

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Please use the comments here for general chit-chat, or feel free to ask any questions … someone usually has an answer.

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